Smart Glasses in Educational Contexts: What Opportunities?
The use of smart glasses in educational and learning contexts has emerged as an innovative strategy to motivate and engage students and professionals. These technologies hold great potential in enhancing effective learning, developing technical and transversal skills, and promoting lifelong learning.
While the benefits are widely recognized, significant challenges persist regarding the integration of these technologies in learning contexts. Issues such as their impact on skills development, ethical and security concerns, and potential negative effects require in-depth analysis and discussion.
In this article, we present two pioneering initiatives that integrate smart glasses in teaching and learning, exploring the challenges and opportunities they bring.
Pioneering Initiatives in the Use of Smart Glasses in Educational Contexts
INOVA+, as an organization committed to digital transformation, participates in projects that demonstrate the positive impact of smart glasses in learning environments. Two notable examples are the ClinicalModelling and VR4Empathy projects, both co-funded by the Erasmus+ program.
ClinicalModelling Project
The ClinicalModelling project—Video-modelling approach applied to the initial and continuous professional development of surgery teams (Erasmus+ project no. 101111665)—aims to innovate in the qualification and training of healthcare professionals through the integration of a telementoring and video-modelling approach. Its objective is to strengthen the skills of surgeons, nurses, and students in teamwork and technical procedures.
The consortium has created opportunities for professionals (from hospitals) and students (from universities) to enhance their skills by analyzing and discussing real and simulated procedures captured using smart glasses.
Professionals and students from Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, and Poland have been developing their ability to record surgical procedures for learning purposes, adhering to ethical regulations and data protection policies for patients and professionals to enable mutual learning. By reviewing the recorded videos, professionals discuss procedures in teams, identifying good practices and opportunities for improvement.
For more information, visit the official ClinicalModelling website or find the project on LinkedIn.
VR4Empathy Project
The VR4Empathy project—Using virtual reality for inclusive and action-oriented empathy in schools (Erasmus+ project no. 101132844)—supports cooperation between schools and EdTech companies to jointly develop and deliver virtual reality resources for education.
As part of these virtual reality resources, the consortium will prepare a set of videos and guidelines to be used in various learning contexts in schools across Portugal, Greece, and Slovenia. The videos will focus on multiple topics related to European history, common social values, citizenship, and diversity. Through these videos, teachers will foster analysis, debate, and exchange of ideas among secondary school students on European themes aligned with the school curriculum.
With this innovative approach, the partners aim to strengthen students’ cognitive empathy by creating immersive opportunities to engage with real and tangible situations. The project is still in its early stages, and in the coming months, a series of events will be held to increase its visibility.
Learn more on the official VR4Empathy website or follow the project on LinkedIn and Facebook.
The Future of Smart Glasses in Educational Contexts
The integration of smart glasses in educational settings represents a significant opportunity to transform the way we learn. Despite the challenges, these technologies have demonstrated their potential to complement traditional approaches, benefiting students, teachers, and professionals alike.
With initiatives like the ClinicalModelling and VR4Empathy projects, INOVA+ reaffirms its commitment to digital innovation and educational progress within the European context, aligning with the priorities of the Erasmus+ program.
Did you know that INOVA+ has a team dedicated to cooperation for the development of training and education skills? This team works on European projects, in the context of school education, adult education, higher education and professional training. Learn more here!
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